Description

Race-day performance, every-day reliability.

Love the look and ride of a deep, aerodynamic wheelset, but looking for the reliability of aluminum rims? If that sounds like you, the Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLS Clincher Wheelset may be exactly what the doctor ordered. Mavic started with a Maxtal alloy rim, then added a carbon fiber fairing for aerodynamic slip. That means you'll get the efficiency of a deep rim, without the weight. Best of all, the aluminum brake track is heat resistant and durable, so you'll have a lot less to worry about when you're dropping the hammer on your buddies.

The brilliance of this type of wheel design is that the Maxtal rim takes the daily beating, but the carbon fairing gives you an aerodynamic advantage without the weight penalty you'd incur if the entire wheel were alloy. The 52mm-deep fairing is finished with the same 12K weave as Mavic's higher-end wheelsets, and it hits a nice midpoint between the just-barely-deep-enough, and the too-deep-to-ride-in-crosswinds.

If your rim is aerodynamic but your hub and spokes act like a windsock, your energy is lost. Mavic improved its hub design to be more aerodynamic on the Carbone SLS wheels, with a flatter construction than lower-end offerings. Both hubs use double-sealed, QRM+ cartridge bearings, which are micro-adjustable. For more stability in the rear hub, Mavic uses FTS-L reinforcement between the pawl and hub body; two stainless steel inserts enhance durability, while allowing the use of a much lighter alloy freehub.

Bladed, straight pull, steel spokes lace the rims to the hubs in a 16 spoke, radial pattern on the front wheel. The rear wheel uses a radial/two-cross pattern with 20 spokes for a balance of weight and strength. Plus, the Carbone SLS comes wrapped in Mavic's excellent PowerLink and GripLink Yksion Pro tires.

The Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLS Clincher Wheelset is sold as a set with the option of Shimano or Campagnolo 11-speed-compatible freehubs. This wheelset includes BR601 quick releases, a valve extender, a proprietary hub wrench, and Mavic Yksion Pro tires.

Here's what others have to say...

View

Good Wheels

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I purchased these to go on my new LaPierre Sensium bike. I'm just getting back into the sport I've loved for many years since I now have the time to enjoy it. In the first couple of weeks on my bike, with stock wheels my average speed was 12.8 mph (yes I know not very fast) for the first couple of weeks. When I put these on, my avg time increased to 13.8 mph instantly. At first I thought it was a fluke, but I'm riding the same route I do daily. But after 1 week seeing the avg speed consistantly hovering around 13.8 for 20 + miles per trip, yes they made a difference. I've been very pleased with my purchase and looking forward to many more miles.

Comment on Mark's review:

Decent Wheels

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

There were my first "race wheels" purchased back in 2009 and i used them for a few years. They were a nice depth and rarely had issues in cross winds. The hubs had no issues over 20,000 miles and never went out of true (pretty impressive). Problem now is their width and aero properties. In general there are "faster" wheels out there today for much less. In addition the trend is wider tires and they are really designed for 19-22mm tires. Most rims today are designed for 23-25mm tires.

Bottom Line: If you are road racing they will provide good braking, no problems in cross winds, and are budget friendly. To maximize your aero benefits you need to run a tire around 20-22mm up front and the rear can be 23mm, get some latex tubes and you will be set. Just know that cornering on narrow tires can be less positive than on 23-25mm tires and that is one issue to consider. If you are a triathlete/TT rider there are much better options out there. If you are looking for comfort these are not a good option either since you will have to run a narrower tire.

Comment on mic101602783's review:

great wheels, fast and good braking

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

What a great set of wheels. I was looking for deep dish set of wheels , but not full carbon, due to carbon wheels and braking issues, so this was perfect. I?ve not put a lot of miles on them yet, but if they are like my other Mavic wheels, then they should be strong and last a long time. They seem fast, light and well built. My only complaint is that they are kind of pricey for an alum rim with a carbon overlay aero part. Full carbon wheels are not much more money, but this was ok by me. The alum braking track seems to grab well and the 52mm deep carbon is not to deep so you really don?t get blown all over. I?ve gone out in 20+ mph cross winds and it was ok. You do feel a difference, compared to a normal shallow wheel. But once you?re out of the cross winds, these wheels are fast. They roll smooth and cut the wind very well. If you?re a weight weenie, then maybe they are overweight, but I found them to be about the same weight as my Mavic Equipe set. Really they are not much more weight, im not a pro so I really wont notice the difference. I was happy with the weight once I got the tires and tubes on them, and the cassette. They were still really light. I also found that my tires were real easy to mount ot these wheels, I didn?t even need a tire tool to get them on. For some reason my set didn?t come with tires or bags, as most Mavic wheels sets do. But then I got a great price on them, so maybe mine were ?out of box? but new. The skewers and tools that come with them are great, the hubs on these wheels are very nice also, and the bearings seem to roll real smooth and fast. I also like the fact that they are clinchers. I hate glue etc, im old school, so this was another plus for me. Bottom line, if you want deep dish, but want good braking, decent low weight, lower cost than full carbon, these might be for you. if you got the cash. Average price on these on line go for around $1100

Comment on patrick smith's review:

Do brakes need to be upgraded to carbon...

Do brakes need to be upgraded to carbon pads or are the factory pads ok per the aluminum brake a track? I currently have a 10 speed, should I order the wheels as 11 speed for possible future bike frame upgrade. ( daily training/century rides/crit ) thanks for info.

You can run factory brake pads on these wheels, since they have an aluminum braking surface. The 11 speed will work with your 10 speed setup as well. Send me an email @ mdivall@backcountry.com and I can help you with any further questions.

Hi, Are these ready-to-go wheels, meaning...

Hey Marcin, This particular wheelset doesn't need the tires glued on. Since they are clinchers that process isn't necessary. These do come with tires and tubes and all you'll need to do is add the cassette, air the tires and you're ready to ride. If you have any other questions please let us know.

I have a Cervelo P 1 will this wheel set...

Hey Timothy, I see no reason that you couldn't use these wheels on your frame. We don't have all the info on that frame, so you could reach out to a Cervelo dealer and check with them just to make sure. I don't think this is necessary though since there really is no reason these wouldn't work. If you have any other questions or need anything else please let us know.

I have 10 speed Shimano 105 drivetrain,...

Hi Navarski23, you can use this wheelset with your 10 spd drivetrain. However, you will need to use spacers behind the cassette and readjust the limit screws on your derailleurs, as to not overshift. If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to let me know.